Religious activities resume at Saman Devala after protests

By Niroshan Perera 

Religious activities at the Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devala, Ratnapura have returned to normal as of yesterday morning, following a two-day protest by the Kapuralas against the appointment of an Acting Basnayaka Nilame. The resumption of services came in response to pleas from local residents and traders who had been adversely affected by the Devala’s closure.

This protest marked a historic first for the Maha Saman Devala, as the Kapuralas halted all functions to express their discontent with the appointment process of the Acting Basnayaka Nilame. The demonstration effectively brought all Devala activities to a standstill.  

The protest was called off after community members, particularly those running stalls supplying religious items for Poojas, voiced their concerns about the financial impact of the Devala’s closure. The Head Kapurala, Gayan Wijeyanarayana, emphasized to the media that their actions were intended to draw attention to the appointment procedure and serve as a wake-up call for the authorities.  

Despite the resumption of activities, the Kapuralas and other office bearers of the Devala have stated that they will continue to perform their duties independently and without any cooperation with the Acting Basnayaka Nilame.